We got quite the raised eyebrows from the nursing staff about the silly string hanging from the ceiling.

And from my I.V.

My family did there best to cheer me up and they tried very hard to make if feel like my birthday.

But it didn’t.

Because my gift was lying in the ICU.

She was 32 hours old and she was born too early.

This week she turned two. She’s perfectly healthy and a picture of God’s power.

And when I think of my birthday, I can’t really think of anything I want. Because I have it all.

I can’t forget.

But that’s because I don’t want to.

{The ‘Fro will be taking a 2 week-perm break for the holidays, I’ll still be posting, but I won’t resume Sincerely ‘Fro Me to You until January. Please let me know in the comments if you want me to continue this carnival ‘o mine. I have fun with it, but I want to quit it before it stops being fun for everyone else!} Updated at 7:00 am…The ‘Fro will live on—

I totally understand. It’s hard. I spent my birthday this year doing the NICU dance with my newborn (ya’ know, two steps forward, one step back). It was a really sad birthday. My dh tried. Friends tried. I just wanted to be home with my baby, though.

Happy birthday, though!! You and your precious girl are two years older and lovin’ life!

What a wonderful miracle! My oldest spent 6 days in the NICU and it was agonizing.

Just think 2 years ago your baby was in the ICU and just last week she was doing a striptease in her daddy’s tennis shoes. God is good 🙂

I hope you enjoy the break, and I love Fro’ me to you. I try to participate every week. Sometimes I get busy and forget, but I would be sad if it wasn’t a part of my week. It is really one of my favorite bloggy days. I hope you keep it up!

Kristen, I thoroughly enjoy ‘fro me to you. I sometimes take breaks, but I don’t think my absence hurts your participation at all 🙂

BUT… I can imagine that it takes time and effort for you to continue with it. If it is too much to continue, I don’t think anyone would hold that against you. It is all what YOU want to do. You have to do what you feel led to do!

Looking at the picture reminded me of this past spring, when I too was sitting in the hospital, only it was my 3rd childs 5th birthday. I missed the party, but my husband did bring her up to see me. I too had a baby too early and she spent time in the NICU. Like in your picture, she was hooked up to all manner of machines and tubes everywhere. I don’t wish it on anyone, but at the same time I wouldn’t trade those days for anything. It was a sweet time of leaning on God and realizing just how much He has done for us. Have a very Happy Birthday.Stephanie

When I saw that picture of your birthday present in the ICU, I got goosebumps and started to tear up. I know that feeling…my own son was in the NICU as well for prematurity. He’s a healthy robust two and a half now…amazing the wonders God does!

Enjoy your break, but I think it’s safe to say people aren’t ready for Fro to go away permanently any time soon!

As I sit here reading & nursing my 6 week old baby girl I'm very thankful for what God has given to us – healthy children. Fortunately, Eve did NOT have to spend time in the NICU, in fact she was 4 days late. But, you know how it is with a newborn, I'm very sleep deprived so everything is making me cry. I also have a 3yo son & it's so hard to explain to him why mommy keeps crying & why the baby keeps crying. I get concerned that he thinks it's his fault. Thanks for your posts. I love Fro & would love for you to continue it, but (like Jennifer said) you need to do what you need to do. If it's too overwhelming for you & stops being fun then it's time for it to go.God bless you & your family.

That was so beautiful – the fun you were still able to have in the hospital is due to the wonderful family ya’ll are!!! What a blessing, I am so glad all has been well with your sweet baby. And Happy Birthday – I just turned the big 36 also – not too bad.

I have to agree with some of the others that said this is probably their favorite bloggy day. But I am ALL ABOUT doing what you can and not letting things get overwhelming. If it is too much, let it go – although I know I will keep posting these “gems” from my past!

Oh, wow. What a birthday present she turned out to be! The twins next door to us (Rosie’s children Pocket and Posies) were born at 25 weeks, so I know second-hand the anxiety of the NICU. I can’t imagine living it as a momma. I’m glad she grew up strong and healthy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! And your baby is such a miracle!!! I’m so excited that you aren’t stopping the ‘Fro forever.. i look forward to participate in January!!!!!! I just found your site and can’t wait to join!!! Thanks!!!

First, Happy Happy Birthday to you! You don’t look a day over 29! I hope you have a wonderful day!

Second, God is so good! I completely understand the fear and uncertainty of a child being born to soon as with my Aunt Twice Blessed Mommy’s twins were born at 25 weeks. I am so thankful that your sweet girl is with you and healthy today!

Third~ I love the Fro! It is my favorite day a week to post, I look forward to the storys that go along with the photo’s! You must continue the Fro!

I’ve been missing you…I’ve been too darn swamped to stop by. And I’m so glad I did.

I hope you have a fabulous birthday. I do enjoy your ‘fro pics. You just decide what works best for you and your family. You know, if you feel like you need to take a break from it…you could do one once a month or longer if needed… just food for thought.

I’ve been missing you…I’ve been too darn swamped to stop by. And I’m so glad I did.

I hope you have a fabulous birthday. I do enjoy your ‘fro pics. You just decide what works best for you and your family. You know, if you feel like you need to take a break from it…you could do one once a month or longer if needed… just food for thought.

i know southwestern VERY well!!! i went there, meet my best friends there & meet my husband there. my parents live just north of there in red oak. so i visit the not so small town anymore, often. have you been back? its changed A LOT!!! tons of eating places – nice ones too, not just fast food. there is target, jcpenny's, belk's, ross to name just a few. every time i see it more is going up & i'm like why couldn't it have been like this when i was living here. (1998-2000)

Happy birthday, girls! I’ve got tears in my eyes. I never went through a premature birth, but a friend did and I saw first-hand how difficult and devastating it can be. Praise God for your healthy, happy little girl!

The Bean was in the NICU for my birthday too the year she was born. We actually hoped she would stay cooking until then. Even though she’d still be quite early, it would have been something to have her born on what is mine and my dad’s birthday.

But she didn’t make it anywhere close to that day. Instead she was 8 1/2 weeks early. By the time my birthday arrived, she was nearly a month old and by then, we were fairly sure we’d make it through the NICU all right.

Now, she’s getting closer and closer to turning 4 which blows my mind. Although, she’s a bit on the late side of things, she’s still in the normal ranges and is a beautiful, BEAUTIFUL blessing. God had blessed us mightily in her.

As a two-time survivor of the NICU (or “repeat offender” as the nurses called us) I can totally relate… in fact the photo of your little one brought tears to my eyes. I’m glad your little one was blessed with good health and that your family had a little fun in the midst of the stress! 🙂